Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Tofu with Gochujang Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisply pan-seared tofu cubes tossed in a bold, spicy-sweet gochujang glaze, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and scallions for a vibrant Korean vegetarian dish. This korean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs vegetable oil, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 ounces extra-firm tofu cubes and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Carefully flip the tofu cubes and cook for an additional 4 minutes until all sides are golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons gochujang, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the gochujang glaze over the tofu in the skillet, tossing gently to coat. Cook for 2 minutes more until the sauce thickens and clings to the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Tofu with Gochujang Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Tofu with Gochujang Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Tofu with Gochujang Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Tofu with Gochujang Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Tofu with Gochujang Glaze vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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